Arsenal hosted Tottenham at the Emirates and played out a pulsating 2-2 draw. Spurs led by two goals at the 40th minute but the Gunners rallied to get something out of the game.
The first half was an entertaining affair as Arsenal looked lively early on and they played with intensity. However, Spurs scored the opener on the counter through Christian Eriksen after Leno spilled the ball in his path. After the goal, Spurs became more confident on the ball, and they managed to double their lead before half time as Xhaka gave away a penalty which Kane dispatched. Emery’s men were handed a lifeline going into the break as Lacazette finished brilliantly to make it 2-1.
Arsenal were the dominant side in the second 45 and Spurs only managed to get some chances on the counter. The equaliser came through Aubameyang who got a deft touch from a clever ball from Guendouzi. Sokratis, later on, got the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside. The game got frantic and end to end in the last quarter, but neither team managed to find the winner.
Here is how Emery’s men fared on the day.
Bernd Leno 5
Spilled two shots which he should have held on. One of them resulted in a goal. Made a few brilliant saves as well, but the damage was already done.
David Luiz 6.5
Didn’t commit to many challenges and held his ground defensively. Nothing too spectacular but a steady performance from the Brazilian.
Sokratis Papastathopoulos 5.5
Played with passion and commitment. However, he could have done better to cover up for the first goal. Looks decent on occasions, but always takes too many risks in the box.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles 7
Wasn’t able to get in the game much attacking wise. Held his own at the back and did well defensively.
Sead Kolasinac 6
Got in some good crossing positions but he often failed to find an Arsenal man in the box. Provided an impressive work rate.
Lucas Torreira 6
Arsenal were unable to keep the ball calmly in the first half, and Torreira was a bit all over the place. Provided work rate and tenacity but didn’t bring enough composure in possession.
Matteo Guendouzi 7
Came close to scoring as his effort was saved brilliantly by Lloris. Always wanting the ball and carried it well from back to front. Looked bright, especially in the last quarter when most players were tiring out.
Granit Xhaka 4
Has been at the club for some years now but his reckless nature continues. Gave away a penalty and committed quite a few fouls. Some were cynical; some were poor. Took one decent long-range attempt. Could be more assured in possession.
Nicolas Pepe 6
Looked dangerous on occasions as he drove the ball forward with intensity but his final product was lacking.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang 7
Played on the wings in the first half and did a decent job in linking up play. Scored the equaliser after he moved in a central role upfront. Wasn’t served with too many clear cut opportunities.
Alexandre Lacazette 8
Was smart with his turns and flicks. Took the first goal brilliantly to bring Arsenal back into the game. Dropped deep to help his team defensively as well. Surprising that Emery removed him when the Gunners were still chasing the game. Looked like the best player in the attacking third and was almost everywhere.
Substitutes
Dani Ceballos 7
Probably could have started as he made an impact after coming on. Maybe Emery wanted three conservative midfielders as he went heavy up top with Lacazette, Aubameyang and Pepe. Needs to start in midfield in the future irrespective of who plays up top.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan 3
Found himself in right positions on occasions but often deliberated on the ball too much. Lacazette staying on would have been a better option as the Armenian was lacklustre with his touches and ideas.
